The Restaurants You Should Be Excited About In 2014

There is no doubt that the London restaurant scene evolves pretty fast, and there's no sign of it slowing down anytime soon.

From upscale Indian to contemporary Japanese, we’ve rounded up ten of the best new restaurants – including those we’re looking forward to opening – in 2014.

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1 | Gymkhana

This Mayfair haunt has continued to receive rave reviews since it first opened its doors back in September 2013. Michelin starred Karam Sethi’s second London project, the upscale eatery serves modern Indian food (just don’t expect to see chicken Korma on the menu) including the popular Kid Goat Methi Keema (kid goat mince with Indian bread buns, onion, fried chilli and lemon juice). Gymkhana is one restaurant certainly worth breaking the bank for.

Former head chef of Nobu and Wabi Scott Hallsworth will be opening a contemporary izakaya (a traditional Japanese style pub) a stone’s throw from Marble Arch later in the year. Expect small sharing dishes such as beef fillet tataki with onion ponzu and garlic crisps, soft shell crab tempura roll with kimchee mayo as well as a selection of robata BBQ. If however, you can’t wait until the permanent hangout opens, you can always head to the pop up version in Chelsea, which – due to popular demand – will reopen next Wednesday.

Associated with some of London’s most iconic restaurants – The Wolseley and The Delaunay, to name just two – Chris Corbin and Jeremy King of Rex Restaurant Associates are set to open another eatery later this year. Inspired by 20th century Vienna, the café will set up shop at the top of Marylebone High Street. But that’s not all. The influential duo will also be opening their first hotel, the Beaumont on Balderton Street in Mayfair, which is scheduled to open in the summer.

Opening Spring, 50 Marylebone High Street, London, W1U 5HN

4 | Foxlow

Opened by the moguls behind Hawksmoor, Foxlow was always going to be a thriving destination. Situated on the bustling foodie area of Farringdon (Burger & Lobster and St John are next door), the menu boasts killer cocktails and proudly British meat (from Yorkshire-based butcher Ginger Pig) as well as fresh fish and seafood. The ten-hour beef short rib with kimchi is a must-have, but you can also opt for the Hawksmoor staple – cuts of beef sold by weight. Clerkenwell is one lucky neighbourhood.

Jason Atherton will continue to conquer London this year, and this time he’s aiming higher than ever – quite literally. Atherton’s new venture – the space previously occupied by Gary Rhodes “Rhodes 24” – will successfully combine breathtaking views (The Leadenhall Building and The Gherkin) with sophisticated dining. The menu will be a refreshing alternative to the rigid three-course dining and give guests the opportunity to share multiple dishes while sipping on cocktails and listening to live jazz.

Opening May, Tower 42, Level 24, 25 Old Broad Street, EC2N 1HQ

6 | Jackson + Rye

Moody atmosphere, a slap-up meal and potent cocktails – one would expect no less from a Richard Caring development (Annabel's, Le Caprice and The Ivy). From scrambled eggs and hand drip coffee in the morning to a spread of mac ‘n’ cheese, buttermilk fried chicken and Reuben sandwich in the evening, Jackson + Rye is a welcoming addition to the Soho foodie scene. And the best part? You can book a table.

The brainchild of Tom Ward and Allegra McEvedy (founder of Leon), Blackfoot in Exmouth Market offers a rather unique pig-inspired menu. At lunch, pop over for a filling Porchetta, served fresh from the counter, sandwiched in slices of bread with a generous dollop of salsa verde. In the evening, as well as slow-roast belly with treacle and Szechuan glaze and pulled pork tacos, they’ll also be dishing up daily stews and a selection of ever-changing sausages on the board. With craft beers, wine and classic cocktails including Kirs (white wine and rhubarb liqueur) and Collins, the bar menu is something that should not be overlooked.

Former CEO of Caprice Holdings and founder of Islington’s ‘posh chippie’ Fish and Chip Shop, Des McDonald will open his second venture later this year offering diners a taste of Memphis. Guests will be able to feast on hearty starters such as the Hickory Chickory – a salad with blue cheese, crispy bacon and burnt-end meatballs, followed by BBQ dishes which includes pecan wood-roasted chicken, grilled rib-eye steak and ribs. US bourbons and whiskies will also play a key role in the menu.

Opening date TBC, 29 - 33 Chalk Farm Road, London NW1 8AJ

9 | Berners Tavern

More an ornate ballroom than a restaurant, with sky-high walls crammed with antique-framed art, Berners Tavern was Jason Atherton’s third project of 2013 (first being Little Social, followed shortly by Social Eating House). His faultless menu – a modern twist of the classic British grub – includes egg, ham and peas, a deep friend duck egg with mushy peas and crispy ham as well as a rich main of braised duck leg with caramel apples, pickled plum puree and turnips. But be warned; once you enter, you’ll never want to leave.

Decadent dining on a budget, Goodman restaurants – the brainchild of successful chain Burger and Lobster – will be opening a two-storey deli dedicated to their deluxe lobster roll (a whole lobster generously stuffed in a toasted buttery brioche with a spread of wasabi mayo) in the heart of Mayfair. Available to eat in or takeaway, this concept will be the first of its kind in the UK. Talk about a niche market…

Opening date TBC, 65 Duke Street, London W1

11 | Salt n Pepper

Pakistan's popular culinary dynasty opened in the West End early this year to educate Londoners about the countries native delights, including kebabs, karahis and biryanis. The setting is perfectly pitched – comfortable, but formal enough for a treat. And the food is divine – a real gem among the many disappointing eateries in London's tourist hotspot.

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